Comprehensive Health Services to sign “5-Star”Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

Ft Lauderdale, FL, April 26, 2005 – Mr. David Bludworth, State Chair of the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mel Hall, CEO of Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) will sign a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on Thursday, April 28, 2005 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The signing ceremony is in conjunction with the McDonald’s National Salute to America’s Heroes and will be conducted at 7:30am in the Pier 66 Hyatt Resort.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that CHS:

• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA).
• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Florida employers to review and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA), said Bludworth. “Many Florida employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized”.

“By meeting the “5-Star” Statement of Support criteria, the management of CHS stands proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”, said Bob Hollingsworth, ESGR Executive Director.

“CHS is honored to sign this 5-Star Statement of Support of our Guard and Reserve employees,” said Mel Hall, CEO of CHS. “Our company is dedicated to championing the people who do important work for both our country and our company. Their dedication warrants our company’s and all employers’ highest level of support.”

“CHS is joining a cadre of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces, added Hollingsworth. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support Mel Hall is sending a clear message to CHS employees that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs”.

Founded in 1975, CHS is a leader in the design, implementation and management of nationwide occupational health and wellness programs, including onsite employee health units, medical exams, wellness and health promotion, absence management and environmental health and safety. Serving Fortune 1000 corporations and the largest federal agencies, CHS delivers customized solutions for maintaining a healthier, more stable and productive workforce. With in-house medical professionals, a national network of CHS-certified physicians and health care providers, and a proactive approach fortified by a time-tempered foundation of best practices, CHS partners with its customers to provide flexible, performance-based workforce wellness and health programs that result in bottom line benefits across the organization. For more information, visit the CHS web site at http://chsmedical.com.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590.

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